Switchable Red Black Side Control Airborne Radio Architecture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current software-defined radios for Airborne Radio Communication systems lack the ability to dynamically switch between red side and black side control options, which is necessary for supporting modern networking waveforms while maintaining backward compatibility and minimizing platform upgrade costs.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for dynamically switching between red side and black side control functionalities by using a protected core processor and a cryptographic sub-system to manage mode changes, allowing external control elements to be connected to either the control processor or the protected core processor via a low voltage differential signaling interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a radio system uses fixed black side control architecture, then it maintains simplicity and backward compatibility, but it cannot support modern networking waveforms that require red side control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for modern networking waveformsVSAvoidcontrol architecture complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic control architecture where the radio system can switch between black side control and red side control modes. The mode change request mechanism allows the system to adapt its control path dynamically based on operational requirements, enabling support for both legacy and modern networking waveforms without fixing the architecture to a single control mode.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal control system that can function in multiple modes - both black side control for traditional waveforms and red side control for modern networking waveforms. The protected core processor and cryptographic subsystem provide security functions that work across both control modes, making the system versatile enough to handle various waveform requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If dual control architecture is implemented to support both red side and black side control, then adaptability improves, but platform integration costs and SWAP increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedual control capabilityVSAvoidplatform integration weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control functions by having the protected core processor handle both red side and black side control operations through a unified architecture. Instead of implementing completely separate dual control paths, the system combines security functions and control processing in a single protected core, reducing the overall SWAP while maintaining dual control capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cryptographic subsystem as an intermediary that mediates between the protected core processor and the control elements. This intermediary layer provides security services for both red and black side control without requiring duplicate security infrastructure, thereby reducing platform integration costs and SWAP while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If control elements are permanently connected to black side HMI DSP, then system stability is maintained, but the ability to switch to red side control is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol mode switchingVSAvoidcontrol connection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic reconfigurability in the control connection architecture. The protected core processor can dynamically change the control path by processing mode change requests and switching between black side and red side control modes. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining stable connections through proper protocol handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent prepares for mode switching by establishing a cryptographic subsystem and protected core processor in advance, so that when a mode change is needed, the transition can occur smoothly without compromising system reliability. The pre-configured security infrastructure ensures that control element connections remain secure and stable during transitions between control modes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS8605902B1Method and implementation for supporting switchable red side or black side control options for airborne radio communication radios

Publication Date: 2013.12.10 ROCKWELL COLLINS INC

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a radio system for providing dynamic switching between red side control functionality and black side control functionality. The system may include a control processor configured for providing the black side control functionality. The system may also include a protected core processor configured for providing the red side control functionality. The system may further include a switch configured for selectively connecting external control elements to the control processor and/or the protected core processor for allowing the control processor and/or the protected core processor to control the external control elements.